BridgeMARYLAND
In order to know what is going on in the City, I attend the meetings of BridgeMARYLAND, an ecumenical group. The resources, information, and networking are very valuable. I do not participate in any of their prayer services.In Baltimore there is an effort to get the churches more involved in the life of the communities. I am convinced that we need an Orthodox presence whenever possible. Although they don't know it, people are looking for us.
When I attend a function and do not join in the prayer, people do question me and when I explain why, most of them do not have a problem with it. Too often I have heard ministers saying things in prayers which I find to be offensive and/or contrary to the teachings of the Orthodox Church and also to the teachings of the Catholic Church. But we all agree that we must feed the hungry, shelter the homeless, etc.
I used to attend another organization, but I am finding them to be too racist and too anti-police. After one of their meetings, two of their guests asked me, "Are they always that racist?" At this point I realized that I had a valid concern.
In Urban Ministry class I was told that black people can't be racist because one has to be in the majority group to be racist. I reject this definition because it enables too many black people to remain racist. Christ died for all of us, regardless of our race and/or skin color. We are all one in Christ.
BridgeMARYLAND emphasizes getting the members of the church community involved. They want us to do a one-on-one session with members of our community. This is a great idea if we can do it.
